Budget Beauty: The best foundations under P400

FoundationFinds

Mar 17

Since the double-letter bases were invented - we’re talking about you, BB and CC creams - foundations have been given a run for their money. How could they compete with skincare-infused bases? The answer lies in their own evolution. Foundation has had to shape up into something practically unrecognizable from what the previous generations of beauty junkies were using. We’re seeing releases that are lighter, more skin-friendly, and cheaper. Oh yes, cheaper!

Now that foundations come in a multitude of mediums, finding one that suits your particular skin concerns and coverage preference is so much easier. It's still a bit challenging to find an exact shade match, but it sure is fun to experiment with powders and liquids, creams and gels. Getting a drugstore brand makes it less of a commitment, so the main perk is being able to try and try without much consequence before settling on a favorite.

Here are five affordable foundies that have stepped up to the plate!

In2It Sheer Natural Gel Foundation (P399.75 at Watsons)

Foundations are traditionally known to feel thick and mask-like, especially the full-coverage ones, so there is a challenge for makeup companies to come up with lighter formulas. In2It is dead-set on going the opposite route of the heavy foundation by presenting a gel formula. Their take is water-based and waterproof, as well as sun protection with SPF 25 PA++. Summer foundation, anyone?

Jordana Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation (P349 at Watsons)

Admit it: sometimes layering on foundation, concealer, and powder can be tedious work. Lazy days call for skipping the concealer altogether, OR just dabbing on a multi-purpose foundation that can also act as a concealer! Despite the impression that a full-coverage, concealer/foundation would look thick, cakey, and flat, the finish of Jordana Complete Cover actually has a light sheen to it give it more of a satiny, natural look.

Essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-up (P349 at Watsons)

Airy-light and a breeze to blend, whipped foundations deposit pigment without the stickiness. Essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-up doesn’t take a lot of effort to produce a second-skin finish, especially when lightly dabbed on with a makeup sponge. Coverage may be on the lighter side, though this foundation can be layered up. For those who don’t have a lot of skin issues, just one layer can be worn and no one will be the wiser.

City Color Foundation Stick (P295 at BeautyMNL)

For those who don’t want to mess with liquid foundation or have oily skin, a stick foundation like this one from City Color is a handy solution. Because of the solid state of the formula, you can easily build up coverage. It’s so easy to spot-apply on imperfections, so it also kind of doubles as a concealer that way. Apart from its basic function, the darker shades can also be used as a contour stick. Practice with it!

Maybelline Clear Smooth White Superfresh Powder (P299 at Watsons)

The store demos are impressive enough. Spray on water and the moisture just disappears! What’s more, it never looks cakey on the face, even when layer after layer is applied. That means those who tend to get heavy-handed with the powder foundation can heave a sigh of relief. Newbies who want to get their foundation game together could also benefit from learning the ropes with this beginner-friendly compact.

Have you tried any of these affordable face bases? Which of them will you be adding to your next beauty haul? ;)

affordable makeupBudget Beauty